The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the Federal government's decision to review its proposed diabetes registration scheme after listening to the concerns of the general practice profession.

Over the previous months, the College has been critical of the government's proposed plan for 'block' or 'capitated' funding for the treatment of people with diabetes. The College has argued that the proposal did not take into account the complex nature of multiple co-existing health risks and conditions and therefore was not workable for patients or for general practice.

RACGP President Professor Claire Jackson said that the College looks forward to meaningful consultation with the government to develop a revised program improving care for people with diabetes.

"We are glad to see that the government has listened to the concerns of the profession through their review of this program, which did not have the support of the College and other key general practice stakeholders.

"The College will work closely with the government and a range of other stakeholders to trial alternative approaches that will support the treatment of people with diabetes. We are pleased that RACGP Immediate Past President Dr Chris Mitchell will continue to represent the RACGP on the Diabetes Advisory Group," she said.

Professor Jackson said that for chronic diseases such as diabetes, GPs were generally the first point of contact and provided ongoing, holistic care for patients.

"The complexity of treatment for this common disease requires systematic care from the teams within and around our practices. As GPs we need a health system that gives us the resources we require to keep our patients healthy and out of hospital, and we will work with the government to develop a program which best meets the needs of our patients as well as the GPs who deliver their care," she said.

The government's media release 'Early pilot of diabetes coordinated care to begin July 2011' is available here.